Goalie
In the net Chicago should be very deep and very good this year. It is no surprise that Sean Johnson will be returning as the primary starter. For such a young goaltender Johnson displays wisdom well beyond his years. With his vision and general athleticism the Fire should be solid in between the sticks. Johnson will probably be absent for a good part of the season playing with the national team at the Olympics this summer.
With Johnson gone the goal will be guarded by either Jay Nolly or Paolo Tornaghi. Jay came to Chicago this off season from Vancouver. He has had 22 MLS starts in his career, with 14 in 2011. Tornaghi on the other hand came to the Fire from Italy . He had been an a product of the Inter Milan youth program. The 23 year old played with Como and Rimini in Italy's fourth and third divisions respectively, over the past three seasons.
As a fan I feel very comfortable with all three options in the goal. Chicago might be one of the best teams in the league at this position.
Defense
Last year Chicago had the sixth worst goals against in the MLS. Defense was a place that the team really needed to have an overhaul. In the off-season Chicago lost a couple of key players at defensive positions. But with the draft and a key signing, I think Chicago might have found the depth and talent they needed.
Arne Friedrich was signed this off season. The German national comes with 11 years of club experience in his home country. He also has 82 caps, having played in two world cups and two European championships. Arne had suffered with back problems in 2010-2011, but passed a litany of physical tests before signingwith the Fire. If he is able to remain healthy all season Friedrich could be a force to reckon with in this league.
Hunter Jumper was selected as the 28th pick from the University of Virginia. In the preseason Hunter showed alot of promise in the defensive line. He should be a quality sub for 2012 and a prospect for the future.
With the starting back line from the end of the 2011 season returning, and these additions, Chicago very well might be one of the stronger defensive teams.
Midfield
This January Frank Klopas picked up Rafael Robayo. Robayo came to Chicago after seven years with Millonarios , a Columbian first division squad from Bogota. Rafael had captained the team for the past two seasons. With his vision and shooting ability, the midfielder should be able to make a mark on the MLS quickly.
Marco Pappa will be returning again this season. This will be the last year in Marco's contract with Chicago. He has made no bones about wanting to pursue his career in Europe. Many European squads seem to have him on their transfer radar this year. With that in mind Pappa might just light it up to be able to secure this move.
In the summer transfer window of last year Chicago picked up Sebastian Grazzini and Pavel Pardo. The two new midfielders injected energy that helped the squad make a late season playoff run. They will be returning this season along with Logan Pause.
Chicago looks to be quite solid in the middle this year. If they are able to avoid injuries and possible moves in the summer transfer window, the middle of the field should be solid.
Forward
Dominic Oduro had a career season in 2011. The Ghanian netted 14 goals in all competitions last year. And more importantly finally seemed to find the home he had been looking for. Returning for the 2012 season Dominic has already looked very good in the preseason. For him to be able to replicate the results from last year is a tall order though. Defenses are certain to mark him and should not let him slip away as easily as last year. I still think Oduro will have a very successful campaign.
Alongside Dominic his countryman, Patrick Nyarko, should complete the starting line. Nyarko has shown alot of skill on the ball, but has seemed to have a lack of confidence in front of the goal. If he is able to find that final touch he could easily become a premier striker this year.
Chicago picked up Federico Puppo from Uruguay this off season. Coming into preseason the expectations for Puppo were pretty lofty. Perhaps we were expecting a little too much from the striker too early. Outside of a goal against Columbus, he seemed to not find his touch. Maybe he just needs a little more time.
This is the one area that might prove to be Chicago's demise this season. They have alot of inexperience in their subs. But if the Ghanian duo is able to replicate last year than we will be fine. If not we might have some problems.
Overall
I think the future looks very bright for the team. Chicago seems like they will be very stingy with goals this year. And hopefully our talented midfield can help the strikers with goals. With a very weak Eastern Conference I think that Chicago should be able to finish the season within the top three in the east. And if the stars line-up just right maybe we could see them make the MLS Cup final.
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